Scottish football’s travel problems in Europe continued tonight as Hearts were beaten by FC Zurich in the first leg of their Europa League play-off round.
This was the fourth attempt by a Premiership club to take something tangible from abroad so far this season, but like Rangers, Dundee United and Motherwell before them, they came back empty-handed.
Briefly it looked promising. Lawrence Shankland put the visitors ahead from the penalty spot, but the Swiss champions responded with two quick goals from Adrián Guerrero and Blerim Dzemaili before the break.
Lawrence Shankland had originally put Hearts ahead from the penalty spot that night.
FC Zurich hit back through Adrian Guerrero and Blerim Dzemaili to win the game 2-1
The margin of the score could have been wider as Hearts got lucky in the second half.
At least they will have a chance to avenge this defeat in what should be a packed Tynecastle next Thursday, when a £3million windfall for reaching the Europa League group stage will be on the line.
The consolation prize will be the pass to the Europa Conference League groups in case they fall short.
Zurich have had no trouble looking at home this season after picking up just two points from five in their bid to retain their title, but Franco Foda’s side were tidy on the ball and dangerous up front.
Although a vocal phalanx of Zurich fans made their presence felt behind one of the goals, it was by no means a hostile environment for the visitors.
Zurich can usually count on more than 10,000 fans at its home games, but the first leg will be played in St. Gallen, 55 miles west of Switzerland’s largest city, because its own ground It is double booked with a music concert, a crowd of 5,347 watched. That figure included around 1,000 supporters who made the trip from Edinburgh.
Adrián Guerrero (left) equalized for Zürich in the first half after Shankland’s opening goal
Blerim Dzemaili (left) also scored for Zürich before the break, with Hearts unable to equalize
Hearts boss Robbie Neilson opted for a more defensive line-up for the clash. Out were forwards Alan Forrest and Liam Boyce, despite the fact that both had been key figures in the team’s good start in domestic action.
Right back Nathaniel Atkinson entered, while Stephen Kingsley made his first start of the season after a hamstring problem. Peter Haring was also restored to the first XI.
There was also a readjustment to the Hearts lineup, with Barrie McKay taking a more central role in attack alongside Shankland rather than hugging the touchline.
Neilson, however, was forced to make a substitution in the first seven minutes when Craig Halkett was injured. Toby Sibbick was his replacement.
Goalkeeper Craig Gordon was in top form and kept Hearts level on several occasions
On a field that had been oiled by torrential rain both before and during the match, the ground conditions were difficult for both groups of players.
That was probably a factor in a rudimentary opening. As the teams evaluated each other, there was little flow to the match.
Hearts were solid but conservative in bringing numbers up front. Little by little, Zürich made their way into the game and began to ask questions of the visiting rearguard.
Antonio Marchesano took up a decent position just outside the box, but finished off a shot just wide of goal before Craig Gordon sprang into action for the first time.
Dzemaili had plenty of power behind his free kick and although the shot went straight to the Scottish No. 1, Gordon initially spilled the blow before smothering the ball.
Hearts made their mark when they went ahead in the 22nd minute from the penalty spot. They worked the ball wide to Atkinson and the Aussie was trampled by Ole Selnaes in a clumsy challenge inside the area.
Hearts boss Robbie Nielson was left with much to ponder at the end of the first leg.
The second leg takes place in Scotland next Thursday with Hearts looking to bounce back.
After an initial delay, Polish referee Bartosz Frankowski signaled the spot, prompting protests from the Zurich players. Shankland kept his cool from 12 yards out, putting in a low effort in the bottom left corner despite Yanick Brecher guessing the right way.
Perhaps still furious at the penalty award, Zurich’s response was emphatic as they scored two goals in two minutes.
The form of the blows was particularly galling for Neilson. Atkinson was to blame for the equalizer in the 32nd minute. The defender made a mistake by getting caught under a long pass from goalkeeper Brecher. He finished with a header into his own goal and Guerrero, lurking behind him, spun and volleyed a left-footed volley past Gordon from close range.
Hearts freaked out and awarded again soon after. Haring’s attempt to intercept Guerrero’s low cross propelled Dzemaili in and the veteran former Swiss international fired a shot into the net from 12 yards out.
Good work from McKay created a chance for Jorge Grant inside the box before the half was over, but the Englishman had little power behind his shot and Brecher saved.
Neilson’s team will enter the Conference League group stage if they lose the tie overall
1000 Hearts fans traveled to Sweden with a total attendance of 5347 in St Gallen
Michael Smith replaced Atkinson after the break and was forced to defend as Zurich created a handful of chances immediately at the start of the second half.
Former Hearts winger Donis Avdijaj was deflected by Kye Rowles before Selnaes headed in the corner.
Avdijaj was involved again when he found a cross at the far post, but the Austrian headed wide.
Another chance came and went for Zurich in the 67th minute. Guerrero should have scored after being picked off by Avdijaj at the far post, but he volleyed wide.
Hearts brought in Boyce and Forrest for the closing stages with the latter firing wide.
Gordon then came to Hearts’ rescue in the 90th minute when he knocked out Fabian Rohner.
